Update on progress at the McKenzie interchange

Work on the first contract for the McKenzie interchange project has passed the halfway mark, and the second and final construction tender will be posted to BC Bid later this spring.

Crews working under the first contract are currently:

placing preload materials to compress the existing soft soils, which will minimize future settlement following construction. Drains enabling vertical drainage have been installed to release groundwater and help speed up the soil settling process;

drilling and blasting;

building the retaining walls to support the Galloping Goose overpass; and,

widening and realigning the Galloping Goose Trail and beginning construction of the new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over McKenzie Avenue.

Upcoming work will involve relocating the waterline once the new pipe arrives in the coming weeks, and starting to build the temporary pedestrian bridge over the highway.

The second round of work will begin in summer 2017 on the remaining activities that include lowering the Trans-Canada Highway, constructing the ramps, overpass, and new pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the highway, as well as the final landscaping.

The majority of construction work is occurring outside of peak traffic periods in order to minimize travel delays related to construction. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded to obey traffic-control personnel and construction signs. Updates are available at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/mckenzieinterchange/

When the new McKenzie interchange opens to traffic, it is expected to improve traffic flow in the Capital Regional District, reduce collisions, and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Quick Fact:

The total estimated cost of the Highway 1 Admirals Road/McKenzie interchange is $85 million, with the Government of Canada contributing up to $32,647,500 under the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component-National and Regional Projects and the Government of British Columbia funding the remaining $52,352,500.